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 Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 11:03 am
It was still strange to wake up to feeling a chill in the morning air. Danika twisted slightly in her pile of furs, the plush bed one of her favorite things about their new home. In Chibale she had a bed as well but never did she need so many furs and feathers in one bed before now! It truly did make the prospect of sleeping in much more enjoyable. Danika let out the slightest of yawns again before slipping from the room that she shared with Vermina. The early sunlight was gently brushing across the landscape, the bluish-green grasses swaying lightly in the morning breeze. While the island was slightly rockier than Chibale had been with cliffs surrounding the beaches it was still almost nostalgic as Danika walked away from her home towards the higher cliffs so that she could stare over the ocean below. I hope everyone across the great waters are doing well. She mused quietly as she reached out to touch one of the many trees, the softer bark surprising in comparison to the harder crystalized trees she had grown up with. Danika was also amazed to see how they changed colors with the season shift, something else that she hadn't truly experienced in the warmer climate of Chibale. Not all the trees changed, however, many had spinier needles that stayed green all year long while the others lost their colorful leaves and grew them again in the spring.
They had arrived later in the summer than anticipated, meetings with the Elders and their estranged Cousins delaying her own travels to Chiume. At least now it seemed that they had successfully managed to acquire some sort of peace, delicate as it was their relationships had managed to thrive during the past couple of years since Danika had helped to care for Elzira. It was good timing considering the surprise that Aisha had blessed Danika and Vermina with once they had returned to Chibale from Yael. Little blooms. A tender smile crossed Danika's lips as she thought of her daughters, both rambunctious and yet so lovable that their very presence warmed her spirit. She couldn't be more blessed to have Vermina and their daughters in her life. To think that I once pondered a future away from Chibale but never did I truly believe it would happen. It seemed she wasn't an omen of death for the older mystics after all and instead truly did represent a new era. Danika just prayed to Aisha that her daughter trees would continue to bloom with cousins that would support her ideals of peace. Only the Elaria truly worried her but even they had split before the treaty into two groups, those who wanted peace and those who still held onto the extremist's ideals. Danika just prayed that helping Elzira would slowly start to soften the hearts of those who still lived on Yael. Change was frightening, that much she knew, but not impossible. After all here she was on a new island helping her Sisters to take care of a new tree and its blooms until a new mystic appeared or until enough Sisters stepped up with the knowledge to take care of the Vandrea younglings and their blooms. There were those who had enough spiritual powers to recognize auras after all without needing the marks of a mystic, the sacred hearts had always used magic to fight before but they could also use that power to heal. Danika was quickly teaching others while on the island and was proud of their progress. Many secrets of the mystics still were held back but she was slowly sharing more and more with only the deepest secrets reserved for the elders who would share that with more elders one day. It seems even my role is changing. She was a leader certainly as was Eshe but would it be the same in the future? Being marked would not mean that one must chose to become a mystic from now on, that much Danika was certain of especially as one of her own daughters had inherited mystic markings. She was certain that Faenna would be confident and strong enough to carve her own path in this world without the Elders directing her every move. It was even more incentive for her to try and travel to Chiume as soon as possible once the girls had bloomed. Danika had craved freedom her whole life but her responsibilities kept her tied to her Sisters, not that she minded as she loved them deeply but she did not want her daughter to feel that pressure. Perhaps I am a bit too protective but still. Danika could only let out another slight sigh as she studied the ocean for another moment more before turning on a heel to walk back down the path towards the house given to her by the Sisters on Chiume, a lovely place they had built that was only a short walk from the cliffs and just a bit further on the opposite side was the new tree.
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Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2020 4:01 pm
When change came, it seemed to come suddenly and constantly. The last few years had felt like she was in a canoe on a speeding river, watching the scenery whip by with little control of where she was actually headed. In all her years, she would never have guess that the river led to leaving Chibale to live on a distant island.
Let's be honest though; she could have been able to swim back and still considered it far away.
Vermina had always been a homebody, but she also had a new definition of what exactly home was. Home had stopped being a specific location. Part of her would always have a special place for Chibale, but something else- someone else- had usurped the title of home. Three someones, actually! Danika, Briallen, Faenna... How could she be homesick when she had all of her wonderful ladies with her?
Maybe just a little homesick... Chiume was very different from Chibale in so many ways, and she still had much to learn. At the least, she was able to learn about it with her loved ones. For instance, the morning chill that seemed to cling to her skin when she climbed out from under the cozy covers of bed. A light shawl helped, and she started up one of the small fire pits to put on a kettle for some tea to warm up. Waiting for that, she stepped out onto the decking to see if- ah, of course she was. "Have you saved the world already for today, love?" she called playfully as Danika got closer to home. "Does that mean that I may go back to bed?"
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Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2020 4:40 pm
A soft laugh left Danika's lips as she heard Vermina's greeting. "We'll see how many more times it needs saving before the moon rises this evening. She teased back in turn, her spirit light considering that it did feel as if the world had been saved indeed. Not that it was Danika's work alone but the collective effort of all of those who had joined together to fight for peace and to later secure a treaty against their estranged cousins. "Only if I can join you in that bed." She added softly as she approached Vermina and placed a light kiss against the other Alkidike's cheek. Danika shifted her own shawl around her shoulders before leaning against her lover, her head resting for a moment on Vermina's shoulder. At least there were less meetings in Chiume since Danika was simply giving advice and leading only when absolutely necessary. Her main focus was on helping with the new tree and spending time with her own family. It was nice being able to wake up every morning to Vermina and especially heart warming, or some days a little worrisome, to hear the soft pattering of their daughters feet as they ran about their home.
"At least our home is still standing this morning." Murmured Danika quietly as she thought of their children. "I hope all is well and that nothing happened in the short while that I was gone." Thankfully she was free for most of the day save for when she would take her usual afternoon walk to check on the new tree and the Sisters that helped tend to it. If there were new blooms then she would tend to them and continue giving advice to the others who were learning to care for the growing blooms as well.
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Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2020 6:23 pm
"There's always something," Vermina assured with a bemused smirk. Danika's role may have shifted, but Vermina knew there was still pressure on her beloved wife. Nurturing the growing tree and blossoms and leading a new land was a big responsibility!
Still, being in such a position did have its perks. "Well, it really is a lovely bed. I like it best when I'm sharing it with you though." She did want to enjoy the fine home while it was still theirs.
She laughed happily and shook her head. "From what I can tell, the little ones are still in their own beds soundly sleeping... making sure they have the energy to fill their terrorizing quota for the coming day." Of course their daughters were absolute treasures, but even she would admit they could be a handful on occasion.
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Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2020 6:57 pm
"That is something that we both seem to agree on." Replied Danika with a soft chuckle. She would be more than content to crawl back into bed and share some morning affections with her mate. Though she had the feeling that should they even try to lay down that there would be a knocking at their door. Her antenna flicked towards Vermina affectionately before she pulled away once more so that she could turn and look around as if double checking Vermina's words. It was awfully quiet and there wasn't any fire coming from their house save for the one in the kitchen hearth. "Hopefully they take a little bit more time recharging so that we can get prepared." She teased in response as she glanced back towards Vermina.
"Is there anything that I can help you with this morning?" Danika asked as she studied her mate, a small smile crossing her lips as she waited patiently to see what Vermina may need.
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Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2020 8:09 pm
Vermina inhaled the refreshing air and sighed it back out contently. "At least they sleep through the night. Once they fall asleep, they are out until the morning. I have known a few younglings who insist on waking multiple times yet." She was grateful as well. The time to prepare in the morning was certainly needed!
Brow lifting, she took a moment to give the question consideration. "I just need to sew up a new pair of shorts for Faenna. She is quickly growing out of her current ones." She sighed again. "They are growing so fast... but what about you? Is there anything I might help you with?"
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Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2020 8:29 pm
Danika nodded as she listened to Vermina. Even though she helped with blooms there was still so much that she didn't know about actually raising younglings. She was grateful for Vermina's guidance and so glad that her mate was such an amazing mother for their daughters. They were fortunate indeed to have such sweet daughters despite their slight mischievousness. "Ah, I can keep you company or help with threading at least?" She replied with a sheepish smile. Sewing wasn't exactly her best strength but Danika was always willing to try and help Vermina whenever possible.
"Me? Nothing in the moment that I can think of." Danika replied before pausing once more to consider. "I have a walk this afternoon to the tree but other than that I am simply content to pass time with you, love." She smiled. "We can always have tea or breakfast as well." Aisha knew that Danika would sometimes get so busy that she would on occasion forget to eat while scurrying about with her duties.
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Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2020 12:11 pm
Vermina smiled and nodded. She knew well enough that Danika's skills lay outside of sewing and knitting. "I would be glad for your company, of course. I don't believe it will take too long. Then perhaps I can walk you over to the tree and I can do a little shopping while you're busy?" Her smile warmed and she slid an arm around Danika's waist. "Breakfast sounds like a wonderful first step though. I have become.. quite fond of the pastries here. They're quite different from the ones back on Chibale."
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Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2020 1:14 pm
"That sounds lovely." Replied Danika as she wrapped her own arms around Vermina's waist so that she could press closer. "Slowly but surely we'll work our way towards breakfast. Do we have more pastries? I am growing rather fond of them as well...just don't tell the Elders. I'm sure they would have a conniption that their mystic likes something made by the...Earthlings." She whispered playfully as she hugged the other Alkidike, relishing her warmth against the chilly morning air. She was a bit saddened by the fact that she couldn't easily go and venture into the Belrean cities like some of the other Sisters but she was thankful that she could at least enjoy the treats and trinkets that they brought back to Chiume. How could she be greedy for more? Especially since she was one of the few mystics to have the ability to travel outside of Chibale in the first place, even if it was only temporary. Danika was just delighted that her family could enjoy themselves and that she could enjoy their presence on the new island with her. Despite leading others and helping with the tree she just felt so much more relaxed here, even with the new responsibilities there was just such a lack of pressure without the Elders tracking her every move. Having Vermina and their daughters also helped to reduce any possible stress despite the little pranks here and there that the girls did sometimes enjoy.
Danika pursed her lips thoughtfully as she glanced over Vermina's shoulder and about the room. "There should be a present of tea leaves brought in by another sister. Apparently the earthlings bundle them together in little bags in the city and she brought a variety of them. There was one with spices and berries that smelled particularly good. Would you like to try some with breakfast?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2020 7:07 pm
Vermina nodded and giggled lightly. "We do have more; I managed to hide a few from the girls. And my lips are sealed. Honestly, it is not that long ago that I would have been the one having the fit to eat something they made." She certainly had grown over the years. There had been a time when she would have snubbed anything earthling-made. Now.. she wasn't exactly taking in the earthling culture with open arms, but progress had been made.
"Tea would be wonderful. I already have water heating up, actually." She cocked her head slightly. "Bundled? How do you mean?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2021 7:38 pm
Danika let out a soft laugh of her own. "Fair enough. How did you ever fall in love with an extremely defiant creature such as me?" She teased lightly. It was true that she had encountered some trouble with the Elders before and especially so with some of them when it came to Earthling relations. A mystic who wanted to bridge connections instead of just hiding away? Oh Aisha! Danika's lips curled up at the thought before she just shook her head. At least things were finally changing for the better now. Her expression softened as she placed a gentle kiss against Vermina's lips. "I am so thankful that you're here and that you are willing to keep an open mind." Danika knew that she was a bit whimsical and more adventurous than others who had come before her. It was a blessing that she had so much support for her actions despite others who would rather keep to the older ways.
"Perfect." Danika smiled at Vermina's question before pulling away so that she could disappear for a second. When she returned she had a small wooden box with a bronze clasp. "They sell them in packs, tea bags, with different flavors that have been grinded up and mixed together." It was similar and yet slightly different from how they brewed their own tea with mostly loose leaves and herbs. Danika set the box down on the table and held out one of the small bags towards Vermina, the little ribbon twisted around it orange with a dried flower attached. "This one is a white tea with some fruitier flavors, berries mainly, and there's another that's more citrus based and darker." She glanced back towards the box. "There's more that I haven't tried yet so feel free to pick whichever you would like. We can just pour the hot water over the bags in the cups and let the flavors seep through."
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Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2021 6:46 pm
Vermina smirked playfully. "I ask myself that every day~" She responded to Danika's kiss with a gentle brushing together of their noses. She certainly did think about their relationship daily, but it was definitely not out of confusion. It was a blessing to have Danika at her side; she couldn't have asked for anyone better.
She went to check on the heating water while Danika fetched the tea, and saw it was just starting to bubble. Perfect. She brought the kettle to the table and turned her attention to the teas. "So the whole bag goes into the water?" She cocked her head slightly with an interested smile. "This will be interesting to see. I suppose this makes it easier to clean up after since you won't have to strain out the leaves." She reached in to pluck up a bag and gave it a sniff. Interesting... She dropped it into the mug, and, after a brief hesitation, poured the hot water over it. Color from the ingredients immediately began seeping out, the steam warm with the sweet scent, and Vermina smiled with relief. It seemed to be working!
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Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:02 pm
"Yes." Danika nodded as she watched Vermina pick out a bag and pour the water over it. "It smells good, right?" She asked quietly before browsing through and picking up a random teabag for herself. It smelled a bit spicier than the others and she was eager to see how the darker tea tasted. Danika brushed an arm past Vermina so that she could reach for one of the ceramic mugs and made her own cup of tea. The steaming water immediately started turning amber once it touched the bag and Danika smiled at the sight. If it was already such a rich color then how strong of a flavor would it be if she allowed it to stay for a bit longer?
"They also sell these little rocks that melt in the tea to sweeten it up and there's some local honey as well in the box." Danika walked back towards the little gift set as she spoke and plucked out each jar. They often used honey themselves and nectar from some of the flowers in Chibale but the little amber rocks were also new to her. Sugar and spices from Oba she had seen plenty of times but this form of sugar was interesting to see. She would have never guessed to taste it herself until a Sister had demonstrated different ways to prepare the teas like their earthling neighbors.
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Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:24 pm
Who would have thought that earthlings would know how to make good tea? There really was much that she was learning about them, and the actual extent of their knowledge. She had once thought that the earthlings we leagues behind the Aishan sisterhood, but perhaps the gap was not so large. ..It was not just a cup of tea changing her mind, of course. Years of time had been taken to observe and open her mind. Danika had helped her open up to so many new things...
Melting rocks?! She leaned over to peer into the jars, eyes shifting between the strange sugar and the honey. Unable to help her curiosity, she plucked up one of the sugar rocks and popped it straight into her mouth. It really was just melting on her tongue! Giving a contented hum, she continued sucking on the little treat and reached to pour a little of the honey into her tea for a taste of both. "It was very kind of them to give you this variety."
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Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2021 7:49 pm
Danika raised a hand to her lips to hide the soft laugh that threatened to escape at the sight of Vermina trying the sugar. Adorable. Her antenna flicked happily before she plucked up a couple of the crystals for her own tea. Danika loved to watch as they dissolved into the amber liquid and she couldn't help letting out a quiet moan as she tried a sip of the amber brew. It was simply delightful! If it wasn't so hot still she would be tempted to let it linger in her mouth so that she could fully experience the flavor but Danika settled for tiny sips instead. Did it have some sort of cinnamon flavor with something darker? It would perhaps have been a bit more bitter had she not added the sugar but either way Danika enjoyed the flavors.
"It was very kind of them indeed." Danika agreed with a small smile as she held the cup in between her hands, allowing the warmth from the tea to seep into her fingers. "I suppose that I do have some perks to my role after all. Despite my best efforts the Sister insisted I take a gift for helping with her little ones that recently bloomed." Many knew about Danika's fascination with the earthlings and her role in opening more relations with their neighbors, but this was the first time that someone outside of her close relationships had actually gifted her something from the earthlings. Danika definitely would cherish the present and would make certain to tell the Sister about her favorite teas from the gift. Even more importantly she was eager to see how the little ones were growing and was happy to see that the new tree was eagerly gifting Mothers with new daughters.
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